Your unsung heroes of the year so far

[Kimmi]

With a look forward as well as back, I think Ryan Brasier has been the most unsung pitching surprise . He has worked his way into the 8th inning setup man role. If he can keep up his effectiveness , he could be big help in the playoffs.

 

In the position player unsung role, I will take Eduardo Nunez in a very close call over Brock Holt. Never Nunez to all his haters, he has played virtually full time at two positions where the expected incumbents (Pedroia/ 21 yr old Devers) have not been able to get or stay on the field. No way Eduardo was expected to play a full season hit above .250, 30 XBH and could have 50 rbi's by year end. Brock is doing what we saw Brock do a couple years ago and no question his value but he is playing to what could be expected of him, more so than Nunez.

 

Some good points about Nunez. He deserves some love too. His numbers might not be the greatest, but he gives it 100% every time out and he does whatever Cora has asked of him.

[vegasbob]

All Matt Barnes fans go kiss my grits. Goes for Hembree and now Kimbrel too. The decline of all 3 was apparent about a month ago, stats be damned because they did dodge some bullets. Now it is more than apparent that they have real deficiencies for a pennant winning team. But like Darrell Royal said, "dance with the one what brung ya".

[moonslav59]

All Matt Barnes fans go kiss my grits. Goes for Hembree and now Kimbrel too. The decline of all 3 was apparent about a month ago, stats be damned because they did dodge some bullets. Now it is more than apparent that they have real deficiencies for a pennant winning team. But like Darrell Royal said, "dance with the one what brung ya".

 

I'm shrinking in embarrassment.

 

[Emp9]

This is a tough question for me to answer. Lots of candidates. I think defense is naturally the most unsung anyways. Most unsung I feel is our catching core, followed by JBJ.

[jacksonianmarch]

I would go with Porcello. The guy who has been cheered and maligned in near equal volumes has been Steady Eddy behind your two starters getting all the pub. 19 games of 6+IP. He has ridden your offense to 15 wins with a real shot at 20 (probably more like 18). He will also be critical in a series vs NYY or HOU with all the RH power on both those squads. Porcello has earned his contract in 2 seasons with 2 duds. This year, he's been really good

[fxkatt]

Leon, Nunez, Velazquez are the truly unsung ones.

[Maxbialystock]

This is a tough question for me to answer. Lots of candidates. I think defense is naturally the most unsung anyways. Most unsung I feel is our catching core, followed by JBJ.

 

Are you kidding? JBJ has been sung more than Sweet Caroline.

[mvp 78]

Tim F'n Hyers

[Emp9]

Are you kidding? JBJ has been sung more than Sweet Caroline.

 

Yeah and not all of it in a good way either. Only lately maybe on here. Season on the whole? Are you kidding me? Of course I wasn’t just talking about on here either.

[Kimmi]

I would go with Porcello. The guy who has been cheered and maligned in near equal volumes has been Steady Eddy behind your two starters getting all the pub. 19 games of 6+IP. He has ridden your offense to 15 wins with a real shot at 20 (probably more like 18). He will also be critical in a series vs NYY or HOU with all the RH power on both those squads. Porcello has earned his contract in 2 seasons with 2 duds. This year, he's been really good

 

Good call, and nice post.

[Spudboy]

Johnson and Velazquez.

[fxkatt]

I like the idea of Porcello and Price, but I disagree that players making from 20-30 million bucks a year can or should qualify for UNSUNG. It's more like they are a little better than many seem to indicate.